Serving Atlanta Metro | Columbus | Augusta | Savannah
Quick Facts to Know:
- It might feel like there are more spiders around in the fall, but overall populations actually decline as temperatures drop and food becomes scarce.
- Cooler weather drives many spiders indoors, where they’re easier to notice.
- You’re more likely to spot them since you’re spending more time inside too.
- Spiders can easily slip through small cracks, vents, or gaps around doors and windows.
If it seems like spiders suddenly take over your home in the fall, there’s a real reason. As autumn sets in and outdoor conditions change, spiders must adjust to survive. Many don’t make it through the shift as their insect prey disappears, but others seek shelter indoors to escape the cold. That movement makes them far more visible, not because there are more spiders overall, but because they’re sharing your living space.
These seasonal changes trigger shifts in spider behavior, leading to more sightings, even though their activity levels stay about the same.
Do Spiders Get Busier in the Fall?
Not really, but they do become more noticeable. Here’s why they stand out more during this time of year:
- In spring, spiders are smaller and easy to overlook, even when they’re active.
- Summer provides plenty of food, keeping them outdoors where prey is plentiful.
- As temperatures fall, spiders start searching for indoor shelter and new web locations.
- Larger adult spiders are more likely to survive into fall, making them easier to spot.
- With fewer flying insects around, web-building spiders create larger webs that are more visible.
What Happens to Spiders When They Get Cold?
When the air cools, life gets tougher for spiders, and for the insects they rely on. Many spiders die as the temperature drops, but a few species have adapted to handle the cold.
Some can go through a process known as cold hardening, which allows their bodies to withstand freezing conditions. These spiders often hide under bark, inside piles of leaves, beneath outdoor furniture, or around rooflines. Of course, a cozy, heated home is an even better option.
Different species behave differently through winter. Some lay eggs in fall, while others wait until spring. Even though freezing temperatures can kill eggs, the egg sacs often provide enough protection for baby spiders to survive until the weather warms up again.
Common Spiders You Might Spot in Fall
- Brown Widow Spider
- Wolf Spider
- Huntsman Spider
- Jumping Spider
- Sac Spider
- Orb-Weaver Spiders
How to Prevent Spiders From Getting Inside
Since spiders can squeeze through tiny spaces, keeping them out takes a mix of sealing, cleaning, and maintenance. Try these preventive measures:
- Seal gaps and cracks around foundations, walls, windows, and utility lines.
- Repair torn screens on doors and windows.
- Add weatherstripping or door sweeps to block gaps under exterior doors.
- Reduce clutter inside your home and around the exterior to eliminate hiding spots.
- Keep plants and shrubs neatly trimmed away from your home.
- Vacuum ceilings, corners, and hidden spaces to remove webs and egg sacs.
- Partner with a pest control professional for seasonal spider protection.
Are Spiders More Dangerous This Time of Year?
No, spiders don’t become more venomous or aggressive in the fall. They just move closer to where people are. Inside, they often settle near corners, basements, or areas with moisture, like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Spiders rarely bite unless they feel threatened or trapped. Outdoors, most species remain inactive during cold weather, only emerging on warmer days before returning to their hiding spots.
Call Active Pest Control for Professional Spider Control
While spiders are beneficial in nature, they don’t belong inside your home or workplace. If you’re seeing more than a few, it’s time to take action. Active Pest Control offers expert spider control and prevention to keep your space pest-free all year long.
Reach out to Active Pest Control today for trusted spider extermination services in Georgia.
770-954-9941